Little Pawz -- Coton de Tulear -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is the home of this bichon variety. The breed gained official recognition in 1970. The Coton de Tulear's cottony coat of hair determines this small dog's appearance. The head is defined by a slight stop, the dark, lively eyes, and the well-developed muzzle with a dark nose. The line of the back should be slightly arched; the tail is carried over the back.

Breed fanciers claim that the Coton de Tulear possesses all the good qualities desirable in a small dog. It is perpetually in good spirits and, if kept as a family pet, provides endless entertainment. The Coton is loyal, intelligent, and dynamic.

Size
Height: Dogs: 12 1/2 inches (32 cm); Bitches: 11 inches (28 cm) at the withers
Weight: 7 – 9 lbs (3.5 – 4 kg)

Coat and Colour
A fine-textured coat. The slightly wavy coat of hair about 3 inches (8 cm) in length, has a cottony look. The colour is white with bisque-coloured patches, primarily on the ears.

Exercise
The Coton de Tulear requires little exercise. A quick jaunt around the park is sufficient and will keep your Coton in fine fettle. The Coton is a typical apartment dog. It's original use for hunting vermin no longer plays any part in this little dog's life.

Grooming
The Coton de Tulear requires regular brushing and bathing to maintain its well-groomed appearance. You must clean the eyelids, and its beard hair should be wiped after every meal.

Feeding
Recommended would be 3/4 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food with a biscuit or two, or 1 1/2 cups of a dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Coton de Tulear.

Origin and History
The Coton de Tulear is a member of the Bichon family of dogs. The Bichons (as well as the Poodle and Briard) are descendents of an ancient European breed, the Barbet. A small, short-haired descendent of the Barbet, the "Bichon Teneriffe," was introduced to the Canary Islands by the Spanish. The Teneriffe gave rise to the modern, Mediterranean Maltese, the French Petit Lion Dog and Bichon Frise, the Bolognese, the South American Havanais, and the Coton de Tulear.

The Teneriffe, now extinct, was introduced to the Indian Ocean Islands of Mauritius and Reunion by sailors in the 16th and 17th Centuries. The breed acquired a long, cotton-like coat (perhaps the result of a single mutation) and was known as the "Coton de Reunion." The Coton de Reunion, a valued possession, accompanied merchants, officials, and pirates on their voyages.

The ruling Merina controlled the breed closely. They forbid both coastal tribesmen (85% of the population) and non-noblemen to own a Coton. At the turn of this century, conquering French colonists adopted the Coton as well. Today, usually only social-climbing Malagasy and Frenchmen own a Coton de Tulear.

The Coton is the "Official Dog of Madagascar," and has been honoured on a postage stamp. In 1970, the world-wide French Kennel Club (FCI) recognized the Coton de Tulear as a rare, pure-breed. Unfortunately, political and economic crises on Madagascar now threaten the Coton with extinction in their native land.

Celebrity Owners
Actress Debra Messing of Will and Grace owns a Coton de Tulear named Lily.